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Miss Uganda 2024, Natasha Nyonyozi, has captivated hearts around the world with her powerful advocacy for autism awareness during the ongoing Miss World pageant in Telangana, India.

Representing Uganda in the “Beauty with a Purpose” segment, Nyonyozi used her platform to bring global attention to autism, calling for stronger support systems and the dismantling of stigma, particularly in African communities.

Wearing a radiant smile and standing tall with purpose, Natasha delivered a moving speech grounded in personal experience, strength, and a vision to transform the African narrative around autism.

“I’m proud to be the first Ugandan to advocate for autism on the Miss World stage,” she declared.

Nyonyozi’s mission is deeply rooted in her family’s journey—her younger brother Ethan was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. In many parts of Africa, such a diagnosis is often misunderstood, leading to harmful stereotypes and superstitions.

“We had people come to us asking if we had sacrificed him or used witchcraft,” she shared emotionally. “That is the ignorance that still exists in Africa.”

Her brother’s condition is made more challenging by the fact that he is non-verbal. “You can imagine what it’s like to have a sibling who cannot express what he’s feeling,” she added.

Driven by this experience, Natasha launched a foundation dedicated to empowering children with special needs, especially those on the autism spectrum.

“I wanted children with special needs to feel like they, too, are stars—regardless of what society labels them,” she said.

Leading Uganda’s First Autism Awareness Events

During April’s World Autism Awareness Month, Nyonyozi and her team organized Uganda’s first Autism Awareness Run and a World Autism Walk. These landmark events brought together hundreds of parents, children, health workers, and advocates, and were held in collaboration with organizations such as Autism Society Uganda.

These efforts symbolized a collective stand for inclusion and marked a significant step forward in national autism awareness.

Speaking on the Miss World stage before contestants from over 100 countries, Natasha emphasized that autism is a global concern. “It’s not just a Ugandan issue—it’s a world issue,” she said. “Over 75 million people globally are living with autism.”

Her heartfelt speech earned a standing ovation. Many attendees admitted it was the first time they had seen autism addressed so openly at such an international event.

“She has achieved in months what many of us have worked years for,” said Dorothy Nambi, Managing Director of Autism Society Uganda. “By sharing her personal story and putting a human face to autism, she has broken Uganda’s national silence.”

Autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication and behavior, is rising in prevalence in Uganda. According to the Autism Society of Uganda (ASU), thousands of cases go undiagnosed due to a shortage of trained professionals and specialized care centers.

“We estimate over 700,000 children in Uganda may be living with autism, but many lack diagnosis and access to support,” Nambi noted.

The 72nd Miss World Festival officially opened on May 10, 2025, at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad, kicking off a month-long celebration of beauty, culture, and humanitarian advocacy.